Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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My dog Helo had his right hind leg amputated about 4 months ago due to a hemangiosarcoma.
He's been doing great, but I've recently noticed him sitting and lying on the thigh of his remaining left hind leg with it sticking out in front of him. I haven't seen any photos of tripods sitting or lying down this way.
Trying to embed a photo but can't seem to make that work...
Hi and welcome to you and Helo!Â
Hmmm, that does sound like an awkward position that could indicate he pulled a muscle or is experiencing pain. I know I've seen that pose with some Tripawds before and usually it's because they are protecting the leg from extra strain. The example that immediately came to mind is Feta, who is a cat but is this what Helo's pose looks like?
Sorry your picture didn't show up. We would love to see it! This is how adding images to the Forums works.
- Upload pics to a photo sharing site like imgur.com or your own Tripawds blog (https://tripawd...../supporter). Pictures and video have to be hosted (live) somewhere other than in the forums.
- Once the photo is uploaded somewhere, right click and copy the Image URL or just copy the image if you’re on a phone
- Return to your Tripawds Forum post and paste the image URL (or the image itself) in your post. It should automatically appear.Â
If you’d like help figuring out the process let me know. Meanwhile tell us more about Helo so we can help you better. How old/young is he? And what has his activity level been like since he lost his leg? Like, how long/far are his walks? Are there other dogs in the house that he plays with?
One of our top recommendations is to see a rehab therapist so that you can find out where Helo stands as far as his stamina level. The Tripawds Foundation can even pay for your first rehab visit so I hope you'll take advantage of the program.
Looking forward to finding out more about Helo and you! Thanks again for joining.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks for responding so quickly and for the image tutorial.
Helo is 10 years old, and his activity level is pretty much back to normal. He even walks faster than he did before because that's easier for his locomotion. 🙂
Here is a photo of how he sometimes sits:
And lying down (that's his left leg underneath):
But he is just as active and playful before and after sitting/lying down like this. And he sits and lies down "normally" too, with his left leg underneath the left side. He's also pretty good at communicating when he's in pain with yelps and expressions––and nothing seems amiss.
Thanks for your help!
James (and Helo)
Awww what a sweetie! He makes my heart go pitter patter 
It's great that he's back to doing his old routines! He's a rock star mature pup 🙂
I wonder if he could be slipping on your floors, and there's an accumulation of muscle soreness happening? An awkward sit position can indicate that kind of thing but a rehab therapist can let you know for sure.
Do you have any traction in your house? I don't see it in the pics but maybe that's just where he happened to be when you took the photos? No-slip surfaces are really essential for Tripawds to avoid muscle strains and pulls.Â
I would take advantage of our rehab program, just to make sure he's not giving off other pain signals that you might be missing. Dogs have other ways of showing pain besides vocalizing so be sure to check out that link when you get a chance.Â
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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